Cookies disclaimer

I agree
Our site saves small pieces of text information (cookies) on your device in order to deliver better content and for statistical purposes. You can disable the usage of cookies by changing the settings of your browser. By browsing our website without changing the browser settings you grant us permission to store that information on your device.

Our technology lawyers have experience advising businesses on the sometimes complex area of technology law.

In our team we have experienced outsourcing solicitors who can assist in outsourcing projects across an array of areas including IT, technology, facilities and business services.

Outsourcing and technology projects, by their very nature, can become very complex and protracted; it is not uncommon for various different issues to arise, regardless of whether the project involves software, hardware or related services.

We have significant experience in dealing with these issues and delivering solutions to our clients which give them the ability to maximise their opportunities whilst also adequately protecting their legal interests and minimising their risks for the duration of their commercial outsourcing arrangements.

We have a wide client base and work for both suppliers and customers of IT and other outsourcing services within the Technology, media and telecoms (TMT) sector, as well as companies that use (and in many cases rely upon) technology as part of their business.

A client says: "The team has been very impressive, responsive and timely in all dealings."

Chambers UK 2019

A source says: "They've been very good because of their responsiveness at very short notice, and they are always able to get us someone to work with us."

Chambers UK 2018

Lindsay Ellis comes recommended for his broad IT practice advising on contracts and outsourcing arrangements. Clients say: "Lindsay is technically extremely competent and combines it with a balanced commercial approach."

Chambers UK 2018

Strong technology and outsourcing team that acts for a number of high-profile technology suppliers ... Routinely sought after for its strengths in IT procurement and contract disputes, and also noted for its expertise in IT systems implementation. "They are bright and experienced and we always find the team to be responsive"

Chambers UK 2017

Our business would use again with no hesitation whatsoever. I have some experience of the legal sector and, in my opinion, we got a city-based service from a (more) local based firm, at a price that worked for us. The team really do care personally about the delivery of excellent client service and this was demonstrated at every stage of the process with them. Great service from a great firm (with such a great firm name!)

Our outsourcing and technology lawyers advise on:

all manner of outsourcing agreements, including the initial drafting of the agreement, the commercial implications of specific provisions within the agreement and the negotiation of contractual terms. We have particular experience in major projects, regularly advising on multi-million pound outsourcing agreements, and have significant experience in contracting in the defence and security sectors.

the procurement of technology solutions, how these can be integrated within a client’s business and the possible approaches to the provision of maintenance and/or support in respect of such technology solutions (in particular the “service integration” model)

development arrangements – including software development delivered under both the traditional “waterfall” and more modern “agile” delivery methods

the commercial issues to consider in distribution and licensing arrangements, subsequently assisting with the drafting and negotiation of such agreements

'software as a service' models, together with the cloud based solutions which are increasingly common in the TMT sector. We invest significant time in keeping abreast of developments in this relatively new field and this, coupled with our experience in dealing with cloud based outsourcing contracts makes us the right choice to assist you on any dealings you may have which have a cloud based element to them

intellectual property rights, technology transfers, assignment and licensing of patents and know-how. Protecting your rights in any intellectual property you own and ensuring you maximise your income from your dealings with such rights is of vital importance to your business. We can help you to ensure that you retain ownership of any intellectual property developed under an IT project (whether by you or any third party you are working with). Similarly, if a dispute arises relating to infringement of your intellectual property or that of a third party, we are fortunate to have skilled lawyers within Wright Hassall with great experience in handling such disputes and achieving successful outcomes for our clients.

regulatory compliance including data protection and security. Breaches of data protection and/or security regulations can result in substantial fines for your business so it is important that these subjects are dealt with in the right way under any outsourcing contract you may have. Wright Hassall can guide you through your obligations under data protection law in respect of any IT project and help you put procedures in places that ensure your continued compliance with all applicable legislation.

re-negotiations, amendments to, and terminations of, existing contracts. We appreciate that if you already have a satisfactory contract in place you will not want to “reinvent the wheel” every time an IT project is renegotiated or changed. We work with our clients to identify and understand the changes which are critical to your relationships and business, make the appropriate amendments to your existing contract to reflect these changes whilst, at the same time, retaining as much of the original wording as possible so as to ensure minimal disruption to our clients’ business processes. With regard to contract termination of contracts, we can help you to identify and explain those issues which must be dealt with on exit and provide support through any necessary transition to an incoming contractor.

the commercial and legal issues clients should consider when deciding whether or not to grant a license of their software to other parties, and how it can address these issues in a subsequent license agreement.

e-commerce, media and internet-based services

on a more general level, both bespoke and standard contract management

software licensing issues and disputes such as counterfeit software problems (in relation to which we have wide-ranging experience)

Our recent cases

technology disputes; for example, we have recently:

acted for an international software supplier in a $50m software development contract dispute with three state-owned African banks in an ICC arbitration, in which we achieved a successful outcome; and

acted in High Court proceedings against an international IT services business, settling after trial but before judgment

The IoT is quickly becoming part of everyday life for many individuals, particularly in their homes. Connected devices make homes safer, more energy efficient and therefore cheaper to run and maintain.

“Blue Monday” sadly rang true for the tens of thousands of Carillion’s pension scheme members in the numerous defined benefit pension schemes that the Carillion UK group sponsors, when 6 of Carillion’s UK companies entered into liquidation.